1. Even though it feels like you’re always going to be heartbroken, you are going to get over them. It might not be tomorrow, or next week, next month, or even next year, but you will.

2. But it’s okay if even after you’re over someone, you still miss them. You’re allowed to be nostalgic over memories and people who represented a happy and/or formative time period in your life. It’s not pathetic to miss things that at one time made you really, really happy.

3. There will be people in the world who will never understand depression. That doesn’t make them bad people. It’s not something that everyone can wrap their brains around and that’s okay.

4. If you feel like you’re inconveniencing someone by simply existing, they really aren’t worth the effort.

5. Making sure to drink enough water in a day won’t fix all your problems, but you will feel exponentially better. Being well hydrated is the new black.

6. You’re never going to be 17-year-old skinny again. And considering how unhealthy you were, that’s probably a good thing.

7. You don’t have to be a doormat to be someone who people enjoy working with. Being amicable and collaborative and easy to work with isn’t a sign of weakness or passivity. It’s a sign that you recognize the only way to get some things done is by working effectively with others.

8. “What other people think of you is none of your business.” It’s not your problem if someone is wrong about you, and you don’t need to waste your energy or time trying to list all of the reasons why they’re wrong.

9. It’s okay if there are people who you always feel a connection with, but you know there’s nothing you can really do about it. Realizing that timing is a bitch but it doesn’t have to ruin your life is a very necessary step in being stable.

10. No one “deserves” anything from anyone. Things are going to get much, much easier for you when you accept the fact that you are entitled to absolutely nothing from another person.

11. It is not your responsibility to make people understand why they are wrong. Sometimes all you can do is state your opinion, give your take, and walk away.

12. When you’re confronted with an answer to a question or a situation you don’t like, instead of going on the defense it’s a better tactic to figure out how to make things work for you. Humans are adaptable. It’s better to learn to adapt and work with what you’re given than to insist your way is the only way.

13. If they make you feel like nothing other than a sex object it’s because they don’t see you as anything other than a sex object. If you’re okay with that, great. But if you’re not, that’s okay too.

14. Going 30 days with no alcohol is really, really hard. But hitting the reset button after going balls to the wall for a while is good for your physical and mental well-being. Your body will really, really thank you.

15. Investing in things like skincare and hair care and even something as simple as better sheets for your bed does not make you materialistic. You’re allowed to spend your money on whatever you like if it makes you happy and feel good about yourself.

16. Even when you’re on paper “successful” you are still going to feel like a total fuck up in a lot of ways. There’s never going to be a moment where you wake up, look at the sunrise, sigh contently and think, “Ah yes I have made it. I am now successful and completely together.” It’s never going to happen.

17. As you get older your bullshit threshold will lower and you will simply not have the same amount of patience for other people’s bad behavior. However, as you get older other people’s bullshit will bother you less and less.

18. If you wouldn’t admit to your best friend that you did it, you probably just shouldn’t do it.

19. No response is a response. And it’s a powerful one. Remember that.

20. You don’t have to tell the world everything. You’re allowed to keep some things to yourself. It’s completely okay to save some stories, keep moments personal, and choose to not broadcast every single emotion you experience.

21. Intentions matter. Whether it’s something you’re doing or have done or something someone else is doing or has done. The “why” matters.

22. It’s okay if you fail. You can try again tomorrow.

23. You don’t have to stay on a date if there’s no connection. You don’t owe someone your time just because they bought you a beer. Say thank you for the drink, take your stuff, and go.

24. You’re allowed to ignore people who only pay attention to you when they want something. You don’t have to be someone’s emotional dumpster and be there for them only when it’s convenient for them. You’re allowed to say when enough is enough and cut them off.

25. Being 25 is not old. You’re very young and you have a lot to learn. Being ready and willing to learn at 25 will only make the next few years of your twenties that much more meaningful.